Zeitgeist und Geist der Tiefe: enantiodromia do “espírito do tempo” e do “espírito das profundezas” segundo Carl Gustav Jung

Abstract

This research investigates the concepts of Zeitgeist (spirit of the time) and Geist der Tiefe (spirit of the depths) in the work of Carl Gustav Jung, understanding them through the notion of enantiodromia, that is, the compensatory movement between opposing psychic forces. The study is guided by the central question of how Jung conceives these terms and which psychological, symbolic, and historical meanings emerge from their articulation, especially in The Red Book and his theoretical works. The main objective was to analyze each concept separately, in specific chapters, unfolding their meanings, functions and implications for the development of analytical psychology. To this end, theoretical references from analytical psychology were employed, along with contributions from philosophy, history, and related fields, in order to broaden the interpretative horizon of the concepts. The methodology adopted was hermeneutics, applied to the analysis of the terms used by Jung, considering their historical, symbolic and experiential contexts. The results reveal multiple levels of meaning of the concepts of Zeitgeist and Geist der Tiefe, highlighting their relevance for understanding individual and collective psychic dynamics, as well as the conflict between cultural consciousness and the deep unconscious. It is concluded that this research contributes to a more in-depth understanding of these terms, which have not been specifically and systematically analyzed in Jung’s work, offering theoretical support for future studies in the field of analytical psychology and the humanities.